Chicago’s Bagels & Bosses: Celebrating Black Women Making A Mark In The Food Industry

Introduction



The Black Women's Expo (BWE) 2023 will take place in Chicago on August 4-6. This year marks its 28th year of celebrating the excellence of women of color. That excellence extends to the food industry as well. The Chicago Bagels & Bosses event, spearheaded by the founder of the Black Women’s Expo, Merry Green, and panel moderator, Chelsea Whittington , featured some of the city's most prominent black female food industry entrepreneurs, including Yasmin Curtis, Vanetta Roy, Lauran Smith, Jackie Jackson, Chrishon Lampley, and Bridgette Flagg.

Incredible Black Female Food Industry Icons



Yasmin Curtis, the founder of Two Fish Crab Shack is a seafood restaurant in Chicago that specializes in crab, shrimp, and other seafood dishes. Curtis’s frozen seafood brand is also carried in the Mariano’s chain in the Chicagoland area. Two Fish Crab Shack is a popular destination for seafood lovers in the Chicago area.

Vanetta Roy, the owner of Surf’s Up, is a Chicago Restaurateur and retired Special Education Teacher. The business has since grown to 15 locations. Roy opened Surf’s Up — South Shore to complement the Maywood location before the founders opened Surf’s Up — Oak Park in 2018. Business started booming after their catfish and fried green tomatoes were featured on Chicago’s Best TV show in 2019. Roy is also the founder of Eat My Biscuits in Brunch Bar based in Georgia.


Lauran Smith is the founder of Chicago BLACK Restaurant Week (CBRW) which was founded in September 2015. CBRW was designed as a way to celebrate food/beverage/dessert businesses in the African American community. Dr. Carter G Woodson was the creator of Negro History Week in 1926. To honor his legacy, CBRW falls during the second week in February. CBRW partners with large corporations that support black businesses to help them flourish and maintain longevity in the community!


Jackie Jackson is a franchise owner of Kilwins Chicago-Hyde Park and other Kilwins locations throughout Chicago . She is also opening Fatburger in the Chatham neighborhood of Chicago. Jackie’s first job was flipping burgers as she worked at Burger King. She dreamed of one day owning her own restaurant. Jackie is a testament to never giving up on your dreams!

Chrishon Lampley is the founder and CEO of Love Cork Screw , a wine brand that produces unique and delicious wines with fun, playful names like "Head Over Heels" and "We're Moving On Up." Her mission is to make wine approachable and accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or experience.

Bridgette Flagg is the owner of Soule , a Creole-infused Soul Food restaurant. Flagg is the head cook and owner and is a Chicago-based native hailing from a humble background of compassionate cooks and southern hospitality, Flagg discovered her passion for cooking at a young age through her Grandmother, Beatrice “Bea” Tolliver. Tolliver became known as “ Bea”, and overtime became Head Cook for Chicago Public Schools Flagg started catering small events, and with the support of her friends and family, she opened Soule in 2017.

Bagels & Bosses Inspiration



The Chicago Bagels & Bosses event, held at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Chicago, provided a unique opportunity to meet and learn from these incredible black women in the food industry. Attendees were able to enjoy a great brunch, hear about the journeys to success of these incredible women, and network with other professionals. It was a truly inspirational and inspiring event and many connections were made. A great way to usher in the upcoming BWE event in August!



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